I should probably just replace the seal - it is inexpensive - however, I like a challenge.

I purchased these local units this week - lightly used - in really good condition except for the boot seal has mildew. Alas - I should have checked that out before hand - but I needed units in the house.

The previous owners used liquid HE detergent and liquid fabric softener. So it has all the tell tale smells and the seal is black on the inner lip.

Can anyone recommend a safe cleaner or a cleaner that will work to remove the deposits?

If I have to replace it - I saw the directions, but might want a pro to do the job. How many hours would it take for them to repair?

You might try a chlorinated detergent... something you use to sanitize the bathroom floor or toilet seat... but if the mildew has set deeply in, the best solution might be the Boot Gasket.

Depending on the machine design, it can be a real unconvenience in the hinder parts to replace the seal. If it is like detaching the front side of the cabinet while leaving mostly everything else intact, it is effort effective to replace. If you can't do that, but have to remove the back side and top, and the tub assembly, or the like... it is good to make notes if something else there needs replacing on the way.

Hot water, bleach and Cascade dishwashing detergent, use lots of each. Even if you kill all the mold and mildew, the boot will still be discolored.

Run it empty with bleach and Cascade on the longest and hotest cycle. It may take several trys to get it really clean.

Nick

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Wow - after just two washes with Cascade and chlorine bleach in the tub, the door gasket seal (inner, outer, lip, by the drum, etc) is totally clean. I have one or two spots with staining - but the rest is a total transformation.

So I think I know the drill :

1. Powder HE washing detergent

2. No liquid detergent or fabric softener. I can use Vinegar if need be.

3. Wipe the seal after use.

4. Leave the door open to dry.

5. Perhaps once every other month, wash at hottest level with chlorine bleach and Cascade.

Thank you soooooo much for posting this Frank.....hopefully this will show others how to take care of their front load washers....cannot seem to get this across to owners and people planning to buy one...the door to my Duet is wide open when not in use, wipe the boot down when thru with a load, bleach and hot water now and then...nice...mine is going on 5 years old, no mold, is just like new....but I know how to take care of it, we hope others will learn how.......

first try to clean the boot as good as you can then do a hot bath clean , i recommendin the wash dispenser use 3 table spoon of disinfectent (lysol,pinesol) as this will remove and kill the mold ( detergent won`t kill mold) then fill the fabric softner and bleach dispenser with bleach and run the longest hottest cycle this should clean the unit but it won`t stop it from comming back this is used as a general and preventive maintence, ans should be done on a regulor basis.

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